12/01/2024
Volume VI: BUILDING A "CHRIST HAS " MARRIAGE BY BINDING CULTURAL NOISE AND BEHOLDING GOD'S DESIGN
Readers, in this 2024 as you have decided not to gree for anybody, abeg gree for God's Word. So far, we have explored leaps of faith and embraced the "Yes" after many Nos." Today, we dig into the foundation of every society and the cornerstone of families, yeah . But beneath the vows and celebrations, many marriages struggle ~Why? Often, it is because we build on shifting sands of cultural expectations instead of the granite bedrock of God's Word, yes we ride on emotional love instead of love of God.
Let's be honest and even in the vibe of men being men ~oh boy, sometimes we confuse with God's standard. We forget the radical, sacrificial love Christ exemplified, by falling into patterns of dominance and forgetting the gentle yet firm shepherd system of the true Church we ought replicate. So, for the popular question "is love enough for marriage?" Yes, capital YES! With love and in love everything issues in each marriage will be solved by the the couple that is in the best position to do so.
Ladies, sorry women you people have yours in hand, yes sometimes you get caught up in the feminist echo chamber, forgetting the wisdom of submission to God's Word. Maybe you don't know that true empowerment comes from aligning oneself with God's Word, and not societal pressures. So, don't forget that you are not disadvantaged, second class or incomplete without man, meanwhile you must also make submission a life pattern.
We have been able to establish that neither Africanism nor feminism are the blueprints for a thriving marriage. Then we must turn to the Holy Scripture ~the timeless guide that transcends cultures and generations. So, here is how we can build a "Christ Has" marriage:
-Men please relearn true love through Christ's lens, since Ephesians 5:25 urges us to love our wives "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Then "loving beyond blame" is the only model of selfless sacrifice we must choose, over control or entitlement -let's deal with it.
-Women do all you can to embrace God's call to submission. It is not about weakness, but about aligning your will with His perfect plan. And also always remember Ephesians 5:22 that keeps reminding you of the true model: "submit to your OWN HUSBAND as unto the Lord."
-Wo(Men), we are all on this table and we must submit to the Word of God! Please, let this be our compass, our guide-post and our ultimate authority. And we must remain exhorted with Apostle Paul charge in Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Because we have a lot to do, and we really need continuous supply of God's wisdom and strength that are made available in Christ Jesus for we to achieve perfect marriage, though this transformation won't happen overnight; because it demands of the Scripture, with our partner, and willingness to shed cultural and societial baggage. Once we align with this, I am very sure of one thing which is, the rewards thereafters are immeasurable!
No specific message for this week but for deeper understanding, I highly recommend Pastor Usen MJ's teachings available at The Swat Library https://t.me/thisistheswat -an open access to God's graced Words to us. His insights on God's design for marriage are both practical and transformative, just like he taught in Bible Study yesterday. And to kickstart your journey of 2024 through prophetic instructions, join me this Sunday, January 14th, by 11:33AM at The SWAT Place for a with Pastor Usen Mj. Come expectant, please note that the service will also be aired live on Usen MJ Ministries page, Youtube and Telegram. And for sure, God's miracles are abundant, and there is enough for everyone who seeks Him -my Prophet got you covered!
On this final note, a "Christ Has" marriage isn't about cultural norms or power dynamics. It is about two souls surrendering to God's Word, embracing love, respect and mutual submission. It is about building a haven where God's presence thrives and His blessings overflow. So, are you ready to build a "Christ Has" marriage? Please, share your thoughts and hopes in the comments below, and let's walk this path together!
My prayer is that "your marriage will become beacons of love that reflects the radiant light of "Christ Has" in Jesus Name"! See you on Sunday at The SWAT Place, Ile-Ife.
